Mayhem at Oulton Park: 11-Rider Crash Turns British Superbikes Opener into Nightmare

By Lewis Barnett 5 May, 2025 6 mins read 58 Views

Jesus. What was supposed to be an exciting season opener turned into something from a disaster movie this afternoon. The first round of teh British Superbikes Championship at Oulton Park came to a screeching halt after what might be one of the worst pile-ups I've seen in 15 years covering motorsport.

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When Everything Goes Wrong at Once

Eleven bikes. ELEVEN. That's not a crash, that's a catastrophe.

I was standing near the press area when it happened. Coming out of the first turn during the Supersport Feature support race, one poor rider lost control on the kerb and went down hard. Physics took over from there – he slid across the tarmac and collected another rider. Then it was like watching dominoes fall in slow motion, except these dominoes weigh 400 pounds and carry humans on them.

One bike erupted into flames. Smoke everywhere. The sound was... I don't even want to describe it. One rider went airborne in a way that made everyone around me gasp. The medical teams were sprinting to the scene before the bikes had even stopped sliding.

The Aftermath (It's Not Pretty)

TV directors cut away immediately – always a bad sign. My colleague James texted me from the opposite side of the track: "Worst I've seen since Brands 2019."

The red flag came out instantly. Within an hour, officials made the call that nobody wanted but everyone expected – the entire event was cancelled.

Stuart Higgs (the British Superbike chief) looked ashen when he spoke to TNT Sports, calling it a "severe and catastrophic incident." His exact words: "The medical response is technically still ongoing, and as a result of that, we have confirmed, and do confirm, that the event is now cancelled and there will be no more racing today."

The Unlucky Eleven

The official statement later confirmed all the riders caught in this nightmare: Carl Harris, Shane Richardson, Corey Tinker, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, Owen Jenner, George Edwards, Morgan McLaren-Wood, Tom Tunstall, Lewis Jones and Max Morgan.

I've interviewed Morgan twice last season. Quiet guy, just moved his family to be closer to his team's workshop. God.

When Motorsport Shows Its Teeth

The full statement from organizers was predictably formal: "At the start of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one there was a major chain reaction incident involving 11 riders. The race was immediately stopped and medical services attended. Due to the extent of the incident and following medical interventions it will not be possible to continue the event and therefore the event is cancelled. MSVR will issue a further statement in due course."

What they don't say is how the atmosphere changes at a track when something like this happens. The usual buzz of excitement gets replaced by this weird, tense silence. I've felt it maybe 4-5 times in my career, and it never gets easier.

The Cheshire Circuit's Dark Day

Back in 2018, I watched a triple crash at this same circuit and thought that was bad. This makes that look like a minor incident.

The paddock in Cheshire will be a somber place tonight. These guys aren't just competitors – they're a community. When one gets hurt, everyone feels it.

Social media has been flooded with support. One fan wrote: "Thoughts are with all those involved and affected." Another added: "Thoughts are very much with those riders seriously hurt and their families, but also to the whole paddock and race organisers, who dread these moments."

I'm heading to the press conference now, though I doubt we'll get much more information until tomorrow. Racing... sometimes it reminds you just how thin the line is between excitement and tragedy.

Will update when we know more about the riders' conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are Formula 1 cars built to ensure driver safety

Formula 1 vehicles are equipped with a number of cutting-edge features for driver protection. The features include a carbon-fiber monocoque with a high strength, the Halo cockpit safety system, energy-absorbing structures and advanced helmet technologies. Each component is rigorously test and adheres the strict safety standards set out by the FIA. Drivers are therefore protected from various types of impact.

Can Formula 1 Teams test their cars throughout the year?

No, Formula 1 teams are not allowed to test their cars year-round. The FIA regulates pre-season and during-season testing. These restrictions are put in place to maintain an even playing field and control costs. Teams must therefore make the most out of the limited testing opportunities to prepare their cars and gather data for the races ahead.

What is F1's difference between slicks vs. wet tires?

Slick tires in Formula 1 are designed for dry conditions, and their smooth surface area provides maximum contact with the track, offering the highest levels of grip. Wet tires like intermediates or full wets are designed with tread patterns that spread water out on wet roads, reducing the chance of aquaplaning. These tires also offer traction under rainy conditions. Full wets can be used for heavy rain while intermediates are best suited to light rain.

What effect does the weather have on Formula 1 races and how do they affect each other?

Weather conditions can have a significant impact on Formula 1 races, affecting tire choice, car setup, and strategy. Rain can make the track slippery, forcing drivers onto wet or intermediary tires. Teams need to be able to adjust quickly to changing weather conditions, and drivers must use caution and show skill. Temperature variations can also affect tire wear and engine performance, which can all have a significant impact on the outcome of a race.

What are the top teams in Formula 1?

Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing are the current leaders in Formula 1 racing. Mercedes has enjoyed an extended period of sustained success, winning multiple constructors’ titles. Ferrari is also a major contender in the sport with a long history. Red Bull Racing with its aggressive innovations and competitive drive has also cemented themselves as a major team.

What is the meaning of the Monaco Grand Prix?

Monaco Grand Prix has long been regarded as one of motorsport's most prestigious events. It is not only celebrated for its glamour but for the incredible challenge that it presents drivers. Monte Carlo’s narrow, twisting roads make it one of the most technical circuits, with less room for mistakes and slower average speeds. Monaco's rich and varied history, as well as its challenging tight corners and barriers, have made it a legend in Formula 1.

Statistics

Sebastian Vettel became the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history, securing his first title at the age of 23 years and 134 days in 2010.
Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most World Championships won by a single driver, with a total of seven titles.
Kimi Räikkönen holds the record for the fastest lap in Formula 1 history, set at the Italian Grand Prix in 2018 with an average speed of 263.587 km/h (163.785 mph).
The 2020 Formula 1 season comprised the shortest calendar in recent history with just 17 races, due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is known as the 'Temple of Speed', which has the highest average speed of any circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar.
Jenson Button accomplished the greatest number of overtakes in a single race, with a total of 26 during the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.
The largest winning margin in a Formula 1 race was recorded by Jim Clark in 1963 at the Belgian Grand Prix, with a lead of nearly 5 minutes over the second-place finisher.
As of the end of the 2022 season, Formula 1 races have been held in 34 different countries around the world.

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How To

How to buy tickets for a Formula 1 Grand Prix

If you want to buy tickets for the Formula 1 Grand Prix visit the official F1 Website or the page for ticket sales on the website of the circuit that is hosting the event. Investigate the types of tickets available, from general admission to grandstands and exclusive hospitality options. Buy early because popular races tend to sell out fast, and early bird prices may be more attractive. Check the circuit maps to determine the best viewing areas and to assess other experiences like pit lane or paddock walks to complement your Grand Prix. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of ticket refunds and exchanges. This will be especially important if the race schedule is changed unexpectedly.